New treatment approach for heart and metabolic issues in people with HIV

Lipid raft therapy – a novel therapeutic approach for HIV-associated cardiometabolic co-morbidities

NIH-funded research George Washington University · NIH-10817675

This study is looking at how a specific HIV protein can cause heart and metabolic issues in people living with HIV, even if they're on treatment, and aims to find new ways to help improve their health by understanding how this protein affects cholesterol in the body.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorge Washington University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Washington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10817675 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how HIV infection leads to heart and metabolic problems, even in patients who are on effective antiretroviral therapy. It focuses on a specific HIV protein called Nef, which disrupts cholesterol metabolism and contributes to these complications. By studying how Nef affects lipid rafts in cells, the researchers aim to develop therapies that can reverse these harmful changes and improve patient health. The approach involves analyzing extracellular vesicles that carry Nef and understanding their role in inflammation and cholesterol metabolism.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-infected individuals who are on antiretroviral therapy but still experience cardiovascular and metabolic complications.

Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-infected or those who do not have cardiovascular or metabolic issues may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate heart and metabolic issues in HIV-infected individuals.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting similar mechanisms in HIV-related complications, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Washington, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Diseaseatherosclerotic diseaseatherosclerotic vascular diseasecardiovascular disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.